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Thursday, July 14, 2011

creating large paintings full of text

Whenever I post photos of my living room (like I did earlier this week here) I get lots of inquiries about the painting that hangs above our couch. So I thought I would share a little bit about the process.

When it comes to art hanging on the wall in our home you might be surprised to hear that I like clean and simple lines, almost minimal but big, very big statement pieces. Since I spend a lot of time creating and teaching messy techniques full of layers and drips I think when it comes to my living space I need a break and want something simple for my eyes :)

Our living room is all white with accents of color and those accents (typically pillows and rugs) have changed over time.

When we renovated and moved into our home three years ago I decided I wanted a really large canvas as a statement piece to hang over our couch with text being the subject matter. In my opinion, words, letters and text can be so beautiful and interesting as the focal point of a painting and often can stand alone.

We selected out favorite E.E. Cummings poem and I used raw and unstretched canvas that I first primed with white house paint (I often use this in place of gesso). I let it dry and then went to town writing out the poem- and believe or not I used black shoe polish to write with- one of my favorite supplies when working and writing on canvas to get nice lettering.

I let some of the words continue off the edges so that is wasn't too perfect but more gave the illusion and spirit of poem.

Since creating this painting, I get more requests from friends and family for something similar for their walls so I have created numerous text paintings on paper, canvas and even wood (see above) with poems, quotes and lyrics.

The key (in my opinion) to a statement painting with lettering is going big and the bigger the better!

So I thought I would include an excerpt from a video lesson for my Graffiti Chic Part 2 online class (much of the class is all about working really large). In the video I talk about different surfaces and options when starting to work big- it will give you a little more behind how that painting in the living room was created and other options when creating a statement piece.

And for those of you that are not aware of how to stretch a canvas I have included a section from my book Canvas Remix where I stretch a small canvas- but stretching a large one is done the same way :)

Thank you so much for sharing! I loved watching the video and learned so much from you. I do have a question...do you buy canvas from art stores, fabric stores or do you buy it from home improvement stores (what looks like the least expensive way to buy it to me)...and what weight canvas do you buy (8 oz or 10 oz or more?)Thanks so much again!~Peace & Love,~Barb~

ee cummings has been rolling through my mind and i have been hesitating to start a big piece for my home... this is what i truly want. thank you so much for the inspiration and the push to get my but in gear! I cant wait to get some shoe polish--- always open to new media!Jody

Speaking of another great big area to paint - closet doors. My niece and I spent some time this weekend spray painting closet doors in wild and colorful colors and designs. I have a calligraphy tip for my spray can which we used to add words to the doors. We also painted the ceiling fan in a similar color palette - the room is so fun now!

Oh, this is more than wonderful. I think I just might have to paint something like this. Love your style, and can totally relate with wanting clean, minimalist style as a break from the creative chaos. Thanks for the inspiration!

so weird! I am one of those who LOVE your artwork that is over your sofa! and last week I decided on part of a poem - Winkin Blinkin and Nod - "All night long their nets threw to the stars in the twinkiling foam --" to go over my fab. new bed. what beter than a bedtime story! Just didn't know how to begin & here you are, on the same wave , aparently, and giving me direction for the project!! Shoe polish? really? Who would have thought! Best timing ever - can't wait to get started! Thank you!!

Hi Alisa! Loved viewing your vlog! Very informative and a nice way to find out more about you! While reading written posts is always good, nothing beats hearing and seeing an artist presenting their work!

I love following your blog and was completely inspired by this post. I really wanted to take one of your classes but with our financial situation it is not possible. So thank you for sharing a little sneak of one of your classes, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

You and this project were my inspiration for the Pinterest Challenge. I gave you full credit over on my blog today. http://chrislovesjulia.blogspot.com/2011/08/pinterest-challenge-robert-frost-is-in.html

oh alisa...one of my favorite e.e. cummings..and the written word? sumptuous. this project is just the whole enchilada of my heart. i could not resist sharing a link to this and YOU as part of my week as guest curator at crescendoh. you are a jOY to share and an inspiration to all.

I haven't visited your blog in a while. I've been kind of busy. But, what a delight I found here as I try to catch up with you and your artistic spirit! Such wonderful things to look at can be found here, so Thank You for that!

I'm off . . . I'm a modern quilter and I'm ready to make this, only with fabric. Think I will "free piece" each letter randomly. Black letters pieced in a very large colorful print, like Anna Maria Horner or Amy Butler. Have you printed your own fabric yet? ohhh I would buy some. Especially your "doodle" painting above your pink tuplips. Spoonflower prints fabric...

I love this idea and tutorial. I have featured you again on my blog. This time it's great tutorials for guys.You can see it here....http://allysonadeney.wordpress.com/2011/11/21/22-handmade-gifts-for-men-or-anyone-really-with-tutorials/...if you like.Thanks for taking the time to post this up for everyone to enjoy.Ally on harrysdesk.

One of those ones where you say 'oh, I could have done that!' but you never did, because you never do 'think of that'. It's really big and beautiful, and if I had the wall space I'd definitely have a go!